On Mother's Day and Every Day, Motherhood is Challenging, Rewarding

Mothers everywhere will be creating new Mother's Day memories Sunday, sharing the day with the kids that fill their lives with joy -- and sometimes a bit of trepidation too.

Motherhood is a full-time occupation, but it's one that offers immense on-the-job rewards.

Watching her 18-month-old daughter fearlessly go down the slide at Tudek Memorial Park is a big moment for Leah Kennedy.

It's just one of the countless big moments in the day for a mother.

The first time her daughter kicks a ball, jumps, dances, uses the potty. They're all important moments.

"Seeing her face light up when she does something new, she's just so proud of herself. It's just the little things everyday and watching her grow," says Kennedy.

For Kennedy, who is 25 weeks pregnant with a boy due in August, it's hard for her to remember life before becoming a mother.

"I remember what life was like without her, but I can't imagine life without her," she says. "Everyday there's always something to laugh about because of her."

Sure, there are challenges when you're a mom – like sleepless nights after your 18-month-old gets her shots at the pediatrician. Or when fears can be overwhelming when thinking about a child's future in an uncertain world with news reports of bullying and other struggles.

"The hard parts for me are when I think about her future," she says. "You want to raise them with the right morals and the right attitudes."

Even with the challenges and uncertainty, at the end of the day it's worth it, Kennedy says.

"I think it's definitely worth it. Being a mom is the best thing," she says.

Suzi Mull has a 3-year-old son and another son who is almost 2. She agrees that motherhood is a combination of struggles and triumphs.

"It's all encompassing. Every moment. From the moment you wake up. One minute can be fantastic and the next minute you can say, 'what was I thinking?'" Mull says with a laugh.

For Mull, she says the most rewarding part about being a mom is "just seeing them learn and grow and just being able to watch a lot of their moments."

Before having kids, Mull worked full-time outside of the home. She says motherhood is just as busy, but different.

"As stressful as that is, it's very demanding to watch them, but it's rewarding being able to see them grow up," Mull says.

Jennifer Miller is a reporter for StateCollege.com. She has worked in journalism since 2005. She's covered news at the local, state and national level with an emphasis on crime and local government.
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